LISTEN: Former Astros star, manager Art Howe describes coronavirus symptoms, ICU stay

HOUSTON – Former Houston Astros star and manager, Art Howe is in the ICU with coronavirus, he confirmed to KPRC 2 Thursday.

Howe told KPRC 2 he felt the first symptoms of the virus on Sunday, May 3 with chills that made his whole body shake “like a leaf.”

After getting tested for COVID-19, the 73-year-old learned he had the virus two days later and went into isolation. Then he began feeling “total fatigue” and lost his sense of taste, Howe said.

“Never experienced anything like it before,” he said.

As the days went by, Howe said he “wasn’t feeling much better at all,” and when his symptoms worsened, he was taken to the hospital via ambulance Tuesday. He remains in the ICU as of Thursday evening.

While Howe said he is seeing some improvement to his health, he admits it’s very slow. According to him, he has to go 24 hours without a fever to be released and that has not yet happened.

When asked if he’s eating, Howe said, “That’s the thing. My tastebuds still aren’t there. I know I should eat but nothing at all makes you want to eat.”

Howe played was one of the more popular ballplayers for the Astros and played with the team for six years from 1976 to 1982 and later managed the team from 1989 to 1993.